Aug 10, 2010 10:33:40 AM

Buhr received his award from NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer

The National Wrestling Coaches Association has awarded NCAA Associate Director of Championships Randy L. Buhr the association's 2010 Dan Gable America Needs Wrestling Award.

Buhr, who has staffed NCAA wrestling championships for the last 10 years, was recognized August 7 for his efforts to improve the visibility, promotion and importance of college wrestling and its championships.

Buhr, who has worked wrestling championships in all three NCAA divisions, has helped spur attendance and media exposure for the sport. The NCAA Division I championships have gone from the finals being telecast via tape delay to the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals being shown live on ESPN.

Buhr has worked to bridge and foster relationships among existing wrestling organizations such as the NWCA, USA Wrestling and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

"Working with Randy on a variety of projects and initiatives has not only been beneficial to the NWCA but to the heath of wrestling as a whole," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "Randy has adapted and learned the sport and its policy to the point that he became one of the sport's biggest allies within the NCAA office."

Seven of the 10 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships Buhr has overseen have drawn more than 90,000 fans. He was also instrumental in spearheading the Division I qualification system.

Buhr joined the NCAA staff in 1999.